Surname Lewis - Meaning and Origin
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read moreLewis: What does the surname Lewis mean?
The surname Lewis is of English and French origins. Originating from the Old German personal name "Ludwig" or "Lewis" meaning "famous warrior", it was later anglicized to "Lewis". It was introduced to England by the Normans during their Conquest in 1066. It also has origins as a surname given to people from Llewes in East Sussex, England. In France, it has specific connections to Normandy, being derived from ‘de Luce’, a place in Normandy.
In Wales, Lewis is of Celtic origin and is a variant of the Welsh personal name Llywelyn, meaning "lion-like".
In Scotland, it can be derived from a pet form of the Lowland Scottish personal name "Lowis" or taken from people living on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.
It's also found among Jewish Ashkenazic communities, derived from the male personal name Lev.
Thus the meaning can vary depending on the cultural or regional context but primarily, it signifies 'famous warrior' or someone from a specific geographic location.
Order DNA origin analysisLewis: Where does the name Lewis come from?
The last name Lewis originates from England, Wales, and France. Lewis is derived from the personal name "Lewis," an Anglo-Norman term. Its early instances can be found in the 14th century. The name is also connected to the medieval English personal name Lewin, meaning "dear friend." In Wales, it serves as an anglicized form of the Welsh personal name Llewellyn, denoting “lion-like” or "like a lion".
Besides, some Jewish families who migrated to England and anglicized their names also adopted Lewis. French Huguenots who immigrated to Britain sometimes changed their surname Louis to Lewis.
Today, the surname Lewis is very common in the United States, the United Kingdom, Wales, Canada, and Australia. According to Forebears, it is the 74th most common surname in the world, with the highest number of people bearing the Lewis surname residing in the United States.
Variations of the surname Lewis
The surname Lewis is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is a surname that has evolved over time with various spellings, variants, and derived surnames. Some of the variants and spellings of Lewis include Lewes, Louis, Lowis, Lewys, Llewys, and Lweis.
It's also important to note that Lewis is an anglicized version of the Welsh surname Llewellyn, which has several spelling variants like Llywelyn, Llewellin, Lewellin, and Lewellen.
In Gaelic or Scottish origin, Lewis can be a variant of the surname MacLew, which is derived from "Mac Lughaidh" meaning "son of Lughaidh". Variants include MacLewis, MacLew, and MacLewes.
Other regional variations of Lewis can be found across Europe. In French, the equivalent would be Louis or Louie, whereas in German the surname can appear as Ludwig.
The Jewish surname Levi is also sometimes anglicized as Lewis. Therefore, surnames like Levi, Levis, and Levison can be considered to have the same origin as Lewis.
While these are some of the associated or derived surnames, it is important to remember that surnames can have many origins and can evolve considerably over time and geographical distance.
Famous people with the name Lewis
- Meriwether Lewis: American explorer and officer in the U.S. Army known as one of the leaders of the Lewis and Clark Expedition
- C.S. Lewis: Irish writer and lay theologian known for his works in fiction, literary criticism, and apologetic theology
- John Lewis: American civil rights leader and Congressman who fought for racial equality and justice
- Jerry Lewis: American comedian, actor, singer, film producer, and film director
- Shahadi Wright Joseph: American actress known for her Disney roles, such as Young Nala in The Lion King
- Leona Lewis: British singer and songwriter best known for her vocals on the hit song "Bleeding Love"
- Christopher Lewis: Canadian actor and musician who starred in the 1974 TV movie The House on Greenapple Road
- Mason Lewis: professional American football player who played for the San Diego Chargers and the New England Patriots
- Reba McEntire: American singer, songwriter, and actress of the country and western genre
- Richard Lewis: American comedian and actor who is best known for his stand-up comedy and HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm